Directions: Read ALL of the text for the characteristics

of life. COPY the chart in your notes.

The Characteristics of Life
From many observations, biologists concluded that all living things have
certain characteristics. The characteristics of life are listed in the table below. An
organism is anything that has or once had all these characteristics.

What determines a cells structure?

Cells are the basic units of structure and function in all living things. Some
organisms, such as bacteria, are unicellularthey have just one cell. Humans and
plants are multicellularthey have many cells. The structure of a cell is related to
its function. For example, each cell in a trees roots has a structure that enables it to
take in water from soil.
How are living things organized?
Living things display organization. This means they are arranged in an
orderly way. Each cell is made up of atoms and molecules. Tissues are groups of
specialized cells that work together. Tissues are organized into organs, which
perform functions such as digestion. Organ systems work together to support an
organism.

How does development differ from growth?

Growth adds mass to an organism. Many organisms form new cells and new
structures as they grow. Development is the process of natural changes that take
place during the life of an organism. For example, after baby birds hatch they
cannot fly for a few weeks. As they grow, they develop structures that give them the
ability to fly.
Why is reproduction important to a species?
Reproduction is the production of offspring. If a species is to continue to
exist, some members of the species must reproduce. A species is a group of
organisms that can breed with one another and produce fertile offspring. Without
reproduction, a species will become extinct.
Why is the ability to respond to stimuli critical?
An organisms external environment includes all things that surround it, such
as air, water, soil, rocks, and other organisms. An organisms internal environment
includes all things inside it. A stimulus (plural, stimuli) is anything that is part of
either environment that causes some reaction by the organism. The reaction to a
stimulus is a response. For example, a houseplant responds to the sunlight coming
through a window by growing toward it. The ability to respond to stimuli is important
for survival.
How do organisms obtain energy?
Living things need energy to fuel their life functions. Living things get their
energy from food. Most plants and some unicellular organisms use light energy from
the Sun to make their own food. Organisms that cannot make their own food get
energy by consuming other organisms.
Why must an organism maintain homeostasis?
Homeostasis (hoh mee oh STAY sus) is the regulation of an organisms
internal conditions to maintain life. If anything upsets an organisms normal state,
processes to restore the normal state begin. If homeostasis is not restored, the
organism might die.
How do adaptations benefit a species?
An adaptation is any inherited characteristic that results from changes to a
species over time. Adaptations make the members of a species better able to
survive and, therefore, better able to pass their genes to their offspring.